Do you have to check out of a hotel? A business travel guide

You packed your luggage, guzzled an instant coffee, and are ready to hit the road—but wait, do you have to check out of the hotel? Yes, you do! 

Formally checking out of a hotel might seem like an unnecessary detail, especially if you’re in a hurry. But skipping this step can lead to unexpected credit card charges, an awkward phone call, or a cold reception during your next stay. 

In this guide, we’ll explain why the checkout system matters, how to check out quickly, and tips to avoid last-minute hiccups. These tips will help you quickly wrap up your business travel so that your trip ends as smoothly as it began. 

Why you should you always check out of a hotel

Most hotel checkout times are 11 a.m., and properly checking out on time is more than a formality—it’s an important step you won’t want to miss.

Here are a few reasons you should always check out of your hotel room.

Deal with unexpected room charges 

Speaking with reception lets you review your receipt and address erroneous fees in person before you depart. And there might be extra charges you didn’t expect, like high room service costs. By checking out, you avoid the back-and-forth with accounting that comes from unexpected company card charges. 

Make a positive impression for future stays

As the saying goes, it’s not what you know but who you know—including hotel receptionists. A courteous checkout builds rapport with staff during your next stay. And notifying reception that your room is vacant allows them to prepare for the next guest right away, an appreciated gesture during busy weekends and high season. 

For frequent business travelers who regularly stay in hotels, a courteous checkout makes you a memorable guest. That might mean perks like priority reservations, early check-in or late checkout, or even an extra mint on your pillow from the housekeepers. 

Leave with all your belongings

When you rush out the door, it’s easy to forget something important in your hotel room—a phone charger, a client briefing, or the book you read before bed. A relaxed checkout gives you a final moment to mentally review your belongings and confirm you’re leaving nothing behind. This small step saves you the hassle of contacting the hotel later to recover lost items. 

How to check out of a hotel properly: 4 ways

When you check out of a hotel, do you just leave? No, but waiting in line at the front desk isn’t your only option. Here are four ways to check out from your hotel room. 

1. Visit the front desk in person

Checking out in person is a nice way to converse with the staff about your stay and leave a positive impression for future bookings. You can also ask about final charges or make billing adjustments.

2. Call the front desk

If you’re short on time or prefer to skip the line, many hotels allow you to initiate checkout over the phone. This option lets you discuss your final bill and confirm payments all without leaving your hotel room, which is a convenient way to ensure a smooth departure. 

3. Use the mobile app

Nowadays, there’s an app for everything. Many hotels let you check in and out and use a digital room key directly from their mobile app. And you can even review charges, pay bills, and check out—all without waiting in line. 

The app will notify you when the process is complete so you can start your day without delay. This is a great checkout method for those crunched for time. 

4. Check out via the in-room TV or express kiosk

Some hotels offer a self-service option through your TV or an express kiosk at reception. Here, you can select the checkout option, review charges, and confirm your departure. This option is perfect for guests with early flights or tight schedules, offering a quick and hassle-free way to say goodbye. 

Worth noting: While you can review charges and pay your bill, if there are any issues, you’ll likely need to call or visit the front desk to handle it.

Additional tips for checking out of a hotel

Ready for takeoff? Here are some tips for seamless corporate travel:

• Confirm checkout hours: Most hotels follow a standard 11 a.m. checkout time. However, it’s still a good idea to confirm with reception ahead of time—no one wants a surprise 9 a.m. checkout call!
• Notify the front desk if you leave early: If you have to catch an early morning flight, let reception know in advance. This helps them prepare your bill beforehand and notify housekeeping so they can prep your room for the next guest. Although it’s best to request early check-in and late checkout before arriving at the hotel, notifying a day or night in advance is often enough time to modify the schedule. For additional peace of mind, Engine’s Hotel Flexibility Coverage lets you automatically modify your hotel booking with zero hassles. 
• Leave a tip for housekeeping: A small tip for the housekeepers is always a nice gesture. Since different housekeepers may clean your room on different days, it’s a good idea to calculate the total amount for your stay and divide it accordingly. You can give a small tip daily or leave a note requesting the tip be divided. Put it somewhere visible, like on the bed or nightstand. 

Have a stress-free business trip with Engine

Your hotel room is the place to kick up your feet and rest after a long day of business travel. With Engine, you gain access to over 750,000 hotels and a dedicated team of hospitality experts committed to making your stay stress-free—from check-in to checkout. Need flexibility with your plans? Engine’s 24/7 corporate travel services have you covered. 

Let Engine handle the booking details while you handle business.